The article describes some predictions with regard to developing trends of automotive propulsion systems. According to the author’s opinion, Diesel engines will share with the gasoline one the leadership of the market in the short-to-middle timeframe, with shares depending mainly from regional contingencies. In the middle-to-long timeframe, the hybrid powertrain and fuel cells will became a real alternative option to conventional engine. However, Diesel hybrid powertrain could also became a very interesting opportunity, because the Diesel engine features will further improve the fuel consumption and the fun-to-drive features of hybrid systems.